We check out the new Caterpillar Depict Hi light hiking boot. The new Cat Depict Hi mid cut boot features Caterpillar treads and blends outdoors function with everyday fashion perfectly thanks to its i-Technology EVA midsole, classic Caterpillar fabric, styling and Good Year welt.
It’s rare that a fashion boot really grabs our attention at FitnessFootwear.com, because we’re usually busy out walking, running or falling in the river. But today the Caterpillar Depict Hi arrived and we instantly stood up and took notice.
We like Cat boots as much as the next man, but it was clear to see that this was something a little bit special and all of us instantly liked the Caterpillar treads than ran the full length of the sole. Because if there’s one thing Caterpillar boots have often suffered with in the past, it’s the chunky treads, which don’t really offer much traction when it comes to direction.
These are a different story however. Made from fine quality full grain leather, classic Cat styling and the Good Year welt, like all Caterpillar boots, the Cat Depict Hi looks great, but now feature i-Technology and an improved sole.
I-Technology is simply an EVA midsole focussed around the heel for extra cushioning. But what a difference it makes, especially for a whole day on your feet. Finally, the Caterpillar tread makes walking off road much easier and has even been slightly slanted to allow for better grip when walking forwards. It’s not as effective at walking backwards, but it’s still not bad.
Caterpillar are calling this their light hiking boot. We wouldn’t take it hiking, but we’d certainly take it out for a walk with the dog. A perfectly good looking, well made boot from Caterpillar. Definitely worth swapping your summer sandals for now the cold and wet weather is starting to come in.
If you can’t wait for the Caterpillar Depict Hi or are looking to replace your old Colorado boots in time for winter, then check out our full range of Cat shoes and Caterpillar boots here: http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/c-82-caterpillar.aspx
Popularity: unranked [?]
Skechers have been working hard on redeveloping their toning technology over the summer. Now that the weather’s turning colder, many will also be changing their toning sandals to a warmer pair of toning trainers.
So to take walking and toning to the next level, Skechers Shape Ups Toners are a new range of comfortable trainers and sandals to help you to shape up with every step.
While the original Shape Ups used a dynamic rolling sole, Skechers Toners feature kinetic toning pads that work the muscles in your legs, bum and core for a more rewarding workout while you walk.
What’s the real different between the dynamic rolling sole and the kinetic toning pads?
The kinetic toning pads allow for more controlled multi-directional movement, making them ideal for sports and running, while the original dynamic rolling bottom improves posture and tones whilst walking, but isn’t suitable for sports or running.
Skechers Shape Up Toners will be available in a choice of classic Skechers trainer styles and mary jane sandal designs.
Check out the Skechers Shape Ups Toners video below and see that you think:
Stay tuned for more news from Skechers tomorrow!
Popularity: unranked [?]
Mizuno is a veritable giant among Japanese footwear manufacturers producing some of the finest running shoes on the market. Since the release of their Runbird shoes back in 1983, Mizuno have developed their range of running shoes and trainers utilizing the latest technological advances to give runners that extra yard of pace on the track and to help minimise fatigue and maintain comfort on the longest of runs. Famously worn by Carl Lewis in his world record 100M sprint in 1991, Mizuno have since revolutionised the world of running with the development of their Wave technology, offering the perfect balance of cushioning, support and stability with a gender specific fit and for the ultimate in comfort.
Mizuno Wave technology is present in the majority of their shoes, offering a style and design tailored for each running style. Featuring the Wave Plate, the shoes disperse the impact force of the heel strike and dissipate it over a larger area for maximum shock absorption and stability. The Dyna-Motion system allows the shoes to respond to changing pressures and forces throughout the stride cycle, maintaining a comfortable fit and reducing distortion. The shoes are tailored to all running styles, with excellent pronation control to prevent injury and improve running efficiency. Mizuno are constant innovators, incorporating the latest technological advances into their footwear, adapting the design, fit, cushioning, support and comfort each season in response to their extensive biomechanical research.
News has just come in at Fitness Footwear of the Mizuno SS11 collection, which promises to improve on the already impressive designs with new colour schemes, improved technology and considerable weight savings throughout the new collection.
Mizuno Wave Hawk 2
Designed for neutral and under pronating runners, the Wave Hawk is an ideal shoe for those just starting out with a running routine, and is also an excellent shoe for recovering from injuries. The shoes maximise cushioning and support for high arches for an incredibly smooth and comfortable ride. The lightweight shoes feature a highly breathable mesh upper, with Mizuno Wave technology to dissipate the strike force evenly around the shoe. The Wave Hawk features an X10 carbon rubber outsole to maximise traction, designed for a long lifespan for heavy use on hard and abrasive urban surfaces.
2011 sees the release of the second generation of this impressive shoe, with tweaks made to the design to ensure the maximum comfort and support is provided. The Wave Hawk is one of the most reasonably priced running shoes on the market, offering exceptional value for money. Ideal as a starter shoe, it features a rubber forefoot plate suitable for the track, road or the trail for maximum versatility. Two new models have been added for 2011 with a gender specific design for a comfort fit and exciting new colour schemes. If you want the maximum cushioning and comfort for long runs the Wave Hawk 2 is one of the best choices.
New models due for Spring/Summer 2011
Womens Mizuno Wave Hawk 2 – White, Clover, Silver
Mizuno Wave Nexus 5
The Mizuno Wave Nexus is a highly supportive and well balanced running shoe which helps to correct mild pronation, perfect for those just starting out and a great daily training shoe for more experienced runners. The shoes are in the upper end of the budget category, yet pack in the technology, offering incredible value for money and many of the features of the top of the line ranges. The shoes feature AirMesh technology to maximise breathability, offering exceptional moisture management and a lightweight and highly responsive design. The shoes feature Mizuno SmoothRide technology to slow down the foot through the running cycle with excellent shock absorption and a high degree of flexibility for long term comfort.
The SS11 Mizuno Wave Nexus 5 is the latest incarnation of this well balanced running shoe, with improved feel, cushioning and support. Two new styles have been added for the new season, with attractive feminine styling for women, and highly stylish new white and gold colour scheme for the men. The Nexus 5 features a composite Mizuno Wave plate with the outside of the midsole constructed from rubber for protection, with a rigid TPU on the medial side to slow down the rolling of the foot to protect from injury. The Wave Nexus is constructed from a gender specific wider last, with excellent traction providing by the highly durable X10 outsole rubber, minimising wear in high impact areas.
New models due for Spring/Summer 2011
Mens Mizuno Wave Nexus 5 – White, Gold, Anthracite
Womens Mizuno Wave Nexus 5 – White, Dahlia, Purple, Anthracite
Mizuno Wave Rider 14
The best just keeps on getting better with one of the best loved Mizuno trainers benefiting from another overhaul. Next year sees the release of the 14th generation of this legendary neutral running shoe, which is already one of the most comfortable trainers on the market and the best selling Mizuno model. Next year promises even more features and improvements which are sure to get serious runners drooling at the prospect. The success of this shoe lies in the comfort, proving an incredibly smooth heel to toe transition with an excellent balance of cushioning and support. The Wave Rider is the product of extensive biomechanical testing, featuring Mizuno Gender Engineering for a customised fit, with Dynamotion technology to maintain the shape of the shoes throughout the full stride cycle.
An independent lacing system and improved tongue help to dissipate lace tension, with a design providing a sock-like fit for the maximum in comfort. A removable Ortholite insole has been added which moulds to the underside of the foot for additional cushioning and comfort, with the latest generation shaving all important grams off the weight. As an all round performance training shoe for high mileage running, the Wave Rider is hard to beat and the latest generation should be the first model on your shortlist.
New models due for Spring/Summer 2011
Mens Mizuno Wave Rider 14 – Silver, Biking Red, Anthracite
Womens Mizuno Wave Rider 14 – Dark Shadow, Pansy, Blazing Orange
Mizuno Wave Inspire 7
Part of the stability collection, the Mizuno Wave Inspire offers mild to moderate pronators the support and correction necessary to prevent rolling of the foot, maintaining comfort on the longest of runs. The highly stable shoe packs in the features with Mizuno Gender Engineering for a custom male and female fit, with an ultra smooth heel to toe transition improving running efficiency. Featuring VS1 shock absorbing technology, the shoes maintain comfort for longer, increasing the lifespan of the shoes helping for exceptional value for money. Running the length of the midsole, an Airmesh ventilation system keeps the feet cool by controlling heat and humidity, whilst enhanced fit technology maintains a snug fit throughout the gait cycle preventing distortion of the shoe under the stresses of running.
The 7th generation Wave Inspire features Pebax Rnew, an innovative thermoplastic elastomer which offers exceptional cushioning and shock absorption with a lightweight and flexible design. Created from plant oils, this renewable, environmentally friendly compound helps to keep the weight of the shoes to the minimum, whilst improving the performance. The shoes feature a redesign of the heel collar for a better fit, with improvements to the lacing system helping to make these shoes some of the most flexible, lightest, and most comfortable supportive running shoes on the market.
New models due for Spring/Summer 2011
Mens Mizuno Wave Inspire 7 – White, Sol, Bronze
Womens Mizuno Wave Inspire 7 – White, Bolt, Charcoal Grey
Mizuno Wave Creation 12
If you want to reduce fatigue and run faster, the Mizuno Wave Creation is the shoe you’ll want on your feet. Designed to improve the efficiency of running, this top end running shoe is designed to maximise performance incorporating the full range of Mizuno technologies to offer unbeatable support, cushioning and stability for neutral to mild over pronators. One of the most advanced shoes for temperature control, the Creation features a full length Mizuno Intercool ventilation system to allow heat and moisture to escape through an innovative network of ventilation channels. The Smoothride system creates a silky smooth transition from the heel strike to the push off with incredible feel.
A Sensorpoint system has been introduced to improve the performance of the Wave Plate, connecting it to the ground for impeccable stability and traction, aided by an X10 carbon rubber outsole for maximum durability and grip in all conditions. The Dynamotion system is improved in this 12th generation shoe for an even better fit through the stride, with an AP+ midsole to reduce the weight and improve cushioning. VS1 shock absorption extends the life of the shoes, maintaining the level of cushioning for longer to give incredible value for money and the new colour schemes and tweaks for 2011 are sure to see this popular shoe continue to impress.
New models due for Spring/Summer 2011
Mens Mizuno Wave Creation 12 – White, Skydiver, Dress Blues
Womens Mizuno Wave Creation 12 – White, Dahlia Purple, Dark Shadow
Mizuno Nirvana 7
The highly supportive Mizuno Nirvana 6 was a welcome addition to the SS10 range for moderate to over pronating feet, with improvements made to the midsole with AP+ technology reducing the weight without compromising shock absorption. Next year sees the next incarnation of this performance running shoe with further improvements made to the fit to for both genders, with improved forefoot grooves increasing the flexibility for female runners, and increased support for the men, ideal for moderate pronators and heavier runners.
The Nirvana 7 features exaggerated VS1 cushioning in the forefoot, ideal for those runners who prefer greater cushioning for long runs, with Sensorpoint technology running down the medial side for improved stability, traction and cushioning, correcting the roll to prevent injuries and maintain comfort on long runs. The Dynamotion system creates an exceptional fit, preventing distortion with a modified tongue joined to the upper to prevent sliding and helping to dissipate the lace tension. The Mizuno Intercool system actively pumps hot air and moisture out of the shoe when running to keep the feet dry, cool and perfectly comfortable. For moderate or over pronators, there are few better running shoes on the market, with the Nirvana 7 certain to be one of the bestselling professional running shoes in 2011.
New models due for Spring/Summer 2011
Mens Mizuno Nirvana 7 – Silver, Anthracite, Gold
Womens Mizuno Nirvana 7 – White, Palace Blue, Blue Depths
Catering to all running styles, Mizuno running shoes offer the perfect balance of support, cushioning, comfort and feel with 2011 promising an even better fit, considerable weight savings and tweaks to the already impressive designs. But if you can’t wait until 2011 for your next pair of running shoes, then check out the current range of Mizuno running shoes at FitnessFootwear.com
Popularity: unranked [?]
This year has been a huge success for the Reebok Reetone footwear range, which offers men and women the chance to get a whole lot more out of exercise, only requiring a simple change of footwear.
Few will have escaped the Reebok Reetone advertising campaign which has circled the globe, highlighting what the shoes can do to the lower body, speeding up toning in the calves, hamstrings and buttocks and making exercise a whole lot more fun.
The shoes feature an innovative outsole design with instability pods located in the heel and the forefoot which create a slightly unstable base. When walking, running and training in the shoes, the shifting air in the pods causes the body to make minor adjustments to the posture to maintain balance, and in doing so increases muscle activity in the gluteus by up to 28%, and the hamstrings and calves by 11%.
However there is more to the shoes that simple toning, offering an incredibly comfortable fit and softness underfoot making them some of the most comfortable trainers ever produced by Reebok, not to mention the highly fashionable styles. With this year being such an outstanding success for the Bolton born company, it will come as no surprise that 2011 promises to be even bigger and better, with a host of brand new fashionable styles coming to the market, with a welcome boost to the men’s range with great new colours and designs for women.
For a sneak preview of the great new styles due in the New Year, have a look though our guide to the SS11 Reebok Reetone collection.
Reebok Easytone
The Easytone is the shoe which started off the Reebok toning craze earlier this year, offering the opportunity to work out whilst you walk, turning every daily activity into a toning session. The highly fashionable and comfortable shoes were an instant hit, helped along the way by big names such as Kelly Brook, who has often been seen sporting her Easytones, which have helped her to keep in perfect shape this year. Here at Fitness Footwear we have long sang the praises of these excellent exercise shoes, having written many an Easytone trainers review over the past few months, as new styles and colour schemes have been released. However the Easytone is due for a huge boost in 2011 with a host of new and fashionable styles of these revolutionary shoes hitting the shelves early in the New Year.
The SS11 collection features 8 new styles for women adding to the popular 2010 styles, which are sure to make you stand out from the crowd. Working out and looking good is about t get a whole lot easier. What makes the shoes such big sellers, apart from their impressive toning properties, is the comfort they offer. Inside the shoes the feet are treated to a seamless Smoothfit lining, which is silky smooth on the feet, removing all potential sources of abrasion, wicking away moisture, and keeping the feet perfectly dry, cool, and comfortable. Wearers notice the benefits from the shoes even after just a few minutes of exercise, really feeling the extra work which the body has had to put in at the end of the day. Whilst previously only the realm of women, Reebok now offer a good selection of men’s styles which help to improve strength and stamina, as well as get more definition for sexy, strong legs which are sure to impress the ladies.
For details of what 2011 has in store for men and women who want to make their lower half their better half, have a look at the new styles coming soon at Fitness Footwear.
New Womens Easytone Models For 2011
Womens Reebok Easytone Reexperience – White, Silver, Steel
Womens Reebok Easytone Reexperience – Black, Silver, Steel
Womens Reebok Easytone Trend LP – Black, Magenta, White
Womens Reebok Easytone Trend LP – White, Champagne
Womens Reebok Easytone Reenew Lux – Brown, Brass
Womens Reebok Easytone Reenew – White, Blue, Silver
Womens Reebok Easytone Reenew – Black, Silver, Grey
Womens Reebok Easytone Reenew – White, Magenta, Silver
New Mens Easytone Models For 2011
Mens Reebok Easytone Casual – Black, Light Grey
Reebok Runtone
For those who like to take their exercise a leisurely pace, Reebok Easytone shoes are a great choice, but for the millions who prefer to crank up the speed and get a targeted workout, the Easytone are not best suited. Fortunately for joggers and runners, they need not miss out on getting the extra burn thanks to the release of Reebok Runtone trainers. The Runtone UK launch was a glitzy affair, with sports personalities aplenty, most notably Ryan Giggs and Lewis Hamilton, both of whom have adopted the shoes to get more out of jogging and running. Reebok Runtone feature a similar design to Reebok Easytone trainers, however the shoes are better suited to moving at pace, with shallower instability pods located in the heel and ball of the foot capable of resisting the increased forces generated when jogging and running.
With the backing of famous sports personalities extolling the benefits to the body, it is no surprise that Reebok Runtone shoes have become such a runaway success. The shoes help to improve core muscle strength and stamina, allowing greater value to be gained without increasing the time spent exercising. For premiership footballers who need to boost strength, and Formula 1 drivers requiring incredible stamina, they offer the perfect way to get in, and stay in shape. The most popular toning trainers for men get a boost with two new cool styles, with women also getting and fashion boost in 2011, with highly feminine styles in magenta and silver. If you want to look at your best on your daily jog, and get into shape in the fastest timeframe, you will need a pair of Runtones on your feet.
New Womens Runtone Models For 2011
Womens Reebok Runtone Prime – Silver, Blue, Black
Womens Reebok Runtone Prime – White, Magenta, Silver
New Mens Runtone Models For 2011
Mens Reebok Runtone Vibe Uform – White, Silver, Blue
Mens Reebok Runtone Vibe Ufrom – Grey, Silver, Red
Reebok Traintone
Reebok’s plan from the start was to offer more than just a toning shoe to help improve body tone, instead creating an entire range of exercise footwear catering to all walks of life and all sporting activities. Their trainers have been aimed at getting people out of the gym and getting exercise in the great outdoors, whilst making exercise more fun. However for Pilates partakers and aerobics aficionados, and those who love getting to the gym for a serious workout, there is the Reebok Traintone. Reebok Traintone feature the same highly comfortable design which works the whole of the lower body, however the design has been tweaked to make them better suited for the gym and indoor exercise regimes. The two instability pods offer much greater stability, perfect for the treadmill, Stairmaster, Yoga and Tai Chi exercises.
Reebok Traintone shoes have only been on the market for a couple of months yet have already generated huge sales for female fitness fanatics, with the men now benefiting from the Traintone experience too. The SS11 collection features two great styles for men, and the women get a style boost two with two great new highly fashionable designs, guaranteed to look fantastic with all exercise outfits. Reebok Traintone look just like standard Reebok trainers, with a less pronounced design and are arguably the most comfortable shoes in the Reebok Reetone range. Designed to cope with a wider range of movement, the shoes have lost the toe pod present in the Easytone, in favour of extra grip, ideal for your downward dog and all of your asanas.
New Womens Traintone Models For 2011
Womens Reebok Traintone U-Form – Black, Grey, Gravel
Womens Reebok Traintone Anthlin – White, Silver, Carbon
Womens Reebok Traintone Reeactivate – Silver, Magenta, Steel, Grey
New Mens Traintone Models For 2011
Mens Reebok Traintone Active Uform – White, Red, Silver
Mens Reebok Traintone Active Uform – Black, Silver, White
Offering a shoe for all exercise regimes, the Reebok Reetone collection is the most comprehensive of all of the toning shoes on the market, offering the ultimate in comfort whilst you turbo charge your workout. Whether taking a stroll through town, a run in the park, or a session in the gym, with the Reetone collection you have shoes which will improve strength, boost stamina and help sculpt the perfect lower body.
The new styles are sure to bring in the compliments and keep you looking at your best, however don’t discount the Reebok Easytone winter 2010 collection, there are some fantastic styles to keep you looking at your best.
Popularity: unranked [?]
We’ve been lucky enough to have a look at next summers Keen sandals. But if we’re completely honest, it’s more of the same comfort and quality with their Newport H2 range leading the way with a bigger choice of colours.
So for those of you who have never experienced the comfort of Keen, we hope you’re sitting comfortably:
Keen footwear was launched in 2003 to critical acclaim with the release of the Keen Newport, a hybrid shoe offering the performance and robustness of a hiking shoe, with the flexible design of a water sports sandal. Providing awesome cross surface grip and excellent underwater traction, the shoe fast became the sandal of choice for lovers of extreme outdoor adventures. The popular outdoor brand has been a constant innovator, building on the impressive performance of the Newport by incorporating the technology into a wide range of styles and designs to cover all terrain and conditions.
Keen footwear sets the standard for summer shoes, providing the maximum versatility across all surfaces with a highly comfortable design, attractive styles, and excellent protection for the feet. Comfort is assured with an anatomically moulded insole and a compression moulded EVA foot frame keeps the feet properly aligned and well cushioned, even over highly uneven terrain. Whilst sandals are the perfect choice to maximise air-flow, their main drawback is toe protection, with most models coming up a little short for off road action. However, Keen sandals feature a patented toe protection system with a robust toe bumper and enclosed toe box. The rubber bumper is present in all of their sandals offering unrivalled protection from underwater hazards, and is equally at home on the trail. Keen uses a host of technologies to ensure the shoes remains looking good, with silicone impregnated uppers, hydrophobic treatments and an Aegis microbial shield to keep both the shoes and the feet healthy.
Whilst new to the outdoor performance market, Keen sandals have rapidly become one of the most popular brands of outdoor summer footwear, bringing new levels of comfort and style to lovers the great outdoors. This year, the Keen Newport H2 sandal has been a bestseller, offering the robust design of the original Newport with synthetic leather uppers for a truly amphibious existence. Equally at home in the water as on muddy riverbanks and trails, the chunky sticky carbon rubber sole makes light work of all terrain with razor sipping to dispel underfoot water for a secure footing.
Keen are not wont to rest on their laurels and despite leading the field in hybrid shoe design, produce a host of tweaks each year, to offer greater comfort, protection and durability. The Keen 2011 footwear collection promises to be the best yet, with a range of attractive new styles, cool new colour schemes and further refinement to the already impressive designs. Despite the amphibious heritage, Keen shoes covers the full spectrum of outdoor pursuits, producing highly breathable water sports sandals to lightweight hiking shoes and winter mid boots. With a boost to the full range of sandal, hybrid shoe, hiking shoe and boot designs 2011 promised to be another great year for this legendary British performance footwear brand. If you are looking for footwear for serious off-road adventures and want the maximum protection, support and comfort for your feet, you need look no further than Keen shoes.
To view the full 2010 Keen sandals and shoes collection take a look at: http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/c-377-keen.aspx and watch this space for further news on next seasons exciting spring / summer collection.
Popularity: unranked [?]
Skechers Shape Ups now include an extended line of health and fitness footwear with a new focus on resistance training and all terrain running.
Skechers has decided to take their best selling toning trainers to the next level with a new range of Skechers Shape Ups shoes designed to encompass off-road running, resistance trainers, extended fitness and casual comfort.
This time Skechers has reached out to the men’s fitness market with a number of trainers targetted to give men a better workout while they walk and run.
With the latest range of Shape Ups trainers comes a new ‘power bar’ and varying designs on their Dynamic Rolling sole which is the core toning technology behind their fitness footwear. Basically, the higher the ‘burn-o-meter’ the more intense the workout from walking or running in Skechers Shape Ups.
Many will also be pleased to see a reduction in the sole size of Shape Ups on the whole, making them far more appealing as a casual everyday shoe with secret toning technology for added exercise with every step.
Autumn 2010 Womens Shape Ups:
We haven’t had the chance to grab a sneak peak of what the new womens Skechers Shape Ups for Autumn 2010 will look like yet, but we have got the basic info about each and every style, plus how they help you to get a better workout while you walk, run and train. We’re also pleased to see the return of the Mary Janes style Skechers Shape Ups Sleek!
Womens Skechers Shape Ups XF Hyper Blast – Black (Sleek)
Womens Skechers Shape Ups XF Hypersonic – Black (Sleek 2)
Womens Skechers Shape Ups XF Energy Blast – BKN
Womens Skechers Shape Ups XF – Hydro Black Z strap
Womens Skechers Fitness Training – White/Silver/Pink
Womens Skechers Fitness Training – Charcoal/Silver/Pink
Womens Skechers All Terrain Diamondback – Blue
Womens Skechers Resistance Runner – Black/HotPink – Burn 5
Womens Skechers Resistance Runner – Silver/Pink
Autumn 2010 Mens Shape Ups:
This year Skechers has really pushed the boat out when it comes to their mens Shape Ups. This time around there’s a much stronger focus on health, fitness, resistance exercise and training on the road, in the gym and across all-terrain. Will they become a popular part of men’s training routines? Time will tell…
Mens Skechers Resistance Training – Black/Charcoal
Mens Skechers All Terrain – Brown/Black
Mens Skechers Resistance Runner – Black/Silver
Mens Skechers Resistance Runner – Charcoal/Lime
The new range of Skechers Shape Ups is just a few months away with an official release date in late Autumn. In the meantime, check out the full range of Skechers Shape Ups toning trainers at FitnessFootwear.com : http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/c-301-shape-ups.aspx
Popularity: unranked [?]
When people think ‘The North Face’, they think ‘waterproof jackets’, but North Face has an excellent range of outdoor footwear from walking shoes and hiking boots to comfy summer sandals and even slippers!
The North Face is a brand instantly associated with waterproof jackets and ski gear, much like Salomon. But if Salomon can make a big break into the outdoor market, then surely North Face can do the same?
The North Face takes its name from the coldest, most unforgiving side of a mountain, so it’s clothing and footwear should be able to take on any challenge.
Many will have heard of the North Face Hedgehog -a trail running shoe without equal when it comes to grip in the wettest, muckiest conditions. But beyond the Hedgehog, The North Face is relatively unknown as a footwear brand. However, there’s much to offer any fashionable skiier, active outdoor enthusiast or summer stroller.
Featuring all manner of industry leading technologies and Vibram outsoles, North Face walking boots are good looking, hard wearing and incredibly comfortable while often featuring Gore-Tex as part of a mesh gasket construction, which makes them incredibly lightweight. At FitnessFootwear.com we’re looking forward to the mid cut model of their best selling Hedgehog trainer, essentially becoming the North Face Hedgehog boot. So when it comes to ultra-lightweight walking boots (or jessie boots as some traditionalists call them!), North Face offer some excellent footwear.
Unlike other outdoor brands however, North Face has always had a fashion tag attached to it. It’s cool to wear North Face jackets and the logo is well known. As such, North Face make a number of shoes that you wouldn’t normally associate with an outdoors brand and perhaps that’s why they haven’t seriously broken into the walking boots market in the same way that Salomon has. But, they do make some exceedingly good North Face sandals and flip flops. The unique egg shell style footbed, which is common in foam packing is incredibly comfortable while a selection of strappy sandals make them a very popular ski and surf style brand for outdoor adventures in the summer. Even these comfy flip flops have excellent grips for the great outdoors.
Finally, for when the weather’s really cold and you want to curl up by the camp fire or soothe your feet after a long day of skiing or hill walking, there’s the very unusual North Face Tent Mule slippers. Essentially miniature sleeping bags for your feet, they’re incredible snug and cosy while being fairly water resistant for all kinds of uses.
So overall, when it comes to the innovative, the unusual and something a little bit different, The North Face has much to offer in the way of footwear. Their Hedgehog trainers are a radically different kind of off road running shoe, their sandals use technology commonly used in premium packing and their slippers are tiny sleeping bags for your feet.
There’s a real ‘cool factor’ when it comes to The North Face, which thankfully doesn’t get in the way of performance, but instead develops some fresh ideas in footwear to offer something that no other brand can.
Interested in checking out North Face shoes for yourself? Then view our full range of North Face footwear.
Popularity: unranked [?]
At 11am today some samples of Hi-Tec’s new V-Lite Infinity trail running shoes landed on our desks to review. We’ve been eagerly waiting for the Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity ever since we first saw men run on water in Hi-Tec’s Liquid Mountaineering viral marketing campaign and finally they’re here.
This is an initial Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity review, having gone for a quick run over different terrains and through some very big puddles.
Looks
We were sent the V-Lite Infinity HPi in grey, green and silver to test and it’s a good looking trainer. The branding is fairly subtle, but all the logos are there and it looks great with a pair of jeans if wearing them as a casual trainer is also your thing. The almost luminous green lacing hooks look great, but the matching inner heel could be considered a little overwhelming. We personally would have preferred a different shade of black or grey.
Fit
Very easy to slip on. The tongue pulls right up, although the laces need to be pulled tight for a secure fit. Once the laces are good, tight and secure, the heel fits very nicely as does the fore foot with a nice amount of toe room.
Feel
The Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity feels great, thanks to its soft inner lining and lightweight uppers. When running the upper is incredibly breathable and you can feel the wind flowing through the shoe. No rubbing, no discomfort, just a great anatomical fit. The heel is especially comfy.
Cushioning
While there is cushioning throughout the V-Lite Infinity, there’s a huge amount of cushioning in the heel. It’s pretty solid however, which makes it a bit bone jarring for road running, but so long as your strides are huge, the heel strike isn’t too bad before you get off the road for your real run. Once you’re off road, the Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity really excells in offering cushioning, stability and fantastic grip.
Grip
Using a Vibram sole, the Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity offers excellent grip. There’s a forefoot flex in the outsole and the unusual lug design provides multi-directional traction for even the slipperiest surfaces and thick mud, as well as grass, stones and hard ground. There’s even a bit at the back of the heel for better braking when descending.
Water Resistance
We ran through some puddles and even poured water on to the shoe and just like in Hi-Tec’s Liquid Mountaineering video, the water ran straight off the Ion-Mask treated material. However, the tongue hasn’t been treated in this way, so water will go through to your socks.
This is because the V-Lite Infinity HPi are hydrophic while the V-Lite Infinity WP is waterproof. We wish we’d had the WP to test and kept our socks dry.
However, the Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity is very good at drainage and effectively pumps water straight out through the lightweight uppers when your forefoot flexes.
Final Thoughts
If it wasn’t for the tongue letting in water, we’d be seriously thinking about giving this shoe full marks. However, for a few pounds more you can get the Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity WP, which is waterproof.
Hi-Tec has done an amazing job with their V-Lite Infinity off road running shoes, creating a high performance trainer that looks good, fits well, provides plenty of support and cushioning, fantastic grip and waterproof protection, plus drainage. In fact, it’s rare to find a trail running shoe that’s both extremely water resistant and effective at draining.
4/5 – Incredibly light and highly breathable with soft inner linings. Good water resistance, good drainidge and great grip.
Due for release in late Autumn, the release date for these shoes is just a few months away. In the meantime Check out the full range of Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity coming soon at FitnessFootwear.com.
Popularity: unranked [?]
The autumn winter collection of Caterpillar boots will soon be arriving at Fitness Footwear, with great new styles and colours to ensure your feet are kept warm snug and cosy as the temperatures dip, and the wet autumn weather sets in. Famed for their high quality construction, superb protection and classic styling, the boots are a firm favourite with workmen seeking the ultimate in foot protection. However this year there are some stylish new additions to the classic designs just as well suited for casual wear as they are for construction site foot protection. Retaining the classic designs and high level of protection, the sleek new styles are perfect for winter walking and are sure to keep you warm and comfortable on a night out on the town.
The Men’s Caterpillar Harding – Chocolate Big Sky is a classic Chukka 8-hole highly durable boot with the comfort fit of an athletic shoe, designed to look great with jeans and keep you looking cool from autumn through to spring. Featuring CAT Technology for durability, a padded collar for comfort, and a hard wearing outsole, it is a great new addition to the casual range. The sleek understated styling is sure to make it a popular choice for those seeking a more casual boot for everyday wear throughout the colder months.
For those who prefer a more traditional sturdy utility boot, the Men’s Caterpillar Colorado – Gingerroot Sh-Broom is the new colour scheme launched for the 2010 autumn winter collection. This nubuck leather boot is a classic work boot, with a padded collar to protect the ankles, and an oil and slip resistant sole with a chunky tread to make light work of all terrain. Particularly well suited to wet, snowy and muddy winter conditions, its hard wearing design and Goodyear welt construction will ensure years of use. Whilst one of the most popular men’s work boots, women too can have the same degree of comfort and protection with the Women’s Caterpillar Moody – Gingerroot Sh-Boom, offering a similar design to the men’s range, with more feminine styling.
In fact it’s great news for women this season with the imminent arrival of three new models of women’s high boots for winter warmth and comfort, guaranteed to keep the toes toasty no matter what the weather has in store. For winter style the Women’s Caterpillar Anna – Fern Contribution is a highly feminine boot with a 2-inch heel, constructed from plush leather with a thick synthetic sheepskin lining for great insulation and exceptional moisture management. Featuring a stylish instep buckle for a close and comfortable fit, and a non-slip chunky rubber sole, this grey/brown boot is a classic winter warmer and perfect for the colder months.
The Caterpillar Molten offers more of the same, with exceptional warmth and great style for the winter. Featuring a PolarTec fur lining, the boots offer an incredibly snug fit and are sure to keep the feet perfectly warm, even when the temperatures drop well below zero. Featuring a T938 rubber outsole for excellent wet and dry grip, the hard wearing compound ensures a long lifespan with a reinforced toe and heel bumper for added protection. The autumn Winter 2010 release features the Women’s Caterpillar Molten – Cola Shag and the Women’s Caterpillar Molten – Black Shag, both highly fashionable boots which are sure to keep you looking stylish throughout the winter months.
To view the full collection of Cat boots and shoes, take a look at http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/c-82-caterpillar.aspx
Popularity: unranked [?]
Finally, the full range of FitFlop SuperTone trainers has been revealed. We managed to get a sneak preview of the new FitFlop Trainer a few months back, but since then the SuperTone has undergone some changes. Now we’re looking at a very sleek lifestyle trainer that borrows elements of the best selling casual shoes to make something altogether new.
You can see a distinct soft leather upper used for most casual trainers with detailed sticking, metal eyelit lactes and a pull cord above the heel with a moc-like fitting. Meanwhile a thick rubber sole provides cushioning and grip with lots of tiny treads.
The great thing about the new FitFlop SuperTones are that they’ve kept the FitFlop MicroWobbleboard technology very discreet. In fact, if it wasn’t for FitFlop logos on the side of the heel and across the tongue, no one would ever know! However the sole does turn upwards from the forefoot in order to create that extenuated foot movement that’s crucial to FitFlop’s toning technology.
Originally rumoured to be called the Signature Red, we could still see FitFlop promoting their SuperTone range with the FitFlop SuperTone red making a bold and stylish statement.
The FitFlop SuperTone silver will be very popular with young adults looking for something a little more bling and with the sudden surge in silver and gold casual trainers, we wouldn’t be surprised if these are worn by some pop stars in the months ahead.
Meanwhile the very smartly styled FitFlop SuperTone black caught our eye with its mixture of casual comfort and descreet fashion. Not forgetting that black goes with absolutely anything.
Similarly the FitFlop SuperTone White is classically designed to offer something for everyone almost regardless of age or outfit.
As you can see, they all look fantastic and having tried on a pair for ourselves, we can assure you that it’s certainly going to be well worth the wait. Currently the FitFlop SuperTone is due for release in September.
Popularity: unranked [?]












